This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:The Vernon Vipers have been getting scoring by committee lately, and lots of it. The Snakes got goals from five different players as they trimmed the host Prince George Spruce Kings 5-1 before 1,100 fans in B.C. Hockey League play Sunday afternoon at the Coliseum.
The Vipers, who have eight point-a-game players, built a three-goal cushion on singles by first star Connor Jones (9th goal), Dylan Walchuk (6th, powerplay) and Bryce Kakoske (2nd) before Spruce Kings’ sniper Sam Muchalla answered for Prince George at 6:51 of the second frame.
Cory Kane, assisted by Connor and Kellen Jones, and Braden Pimm, assisted by Jonathan Milhouse and Mike Collins on the powerplay, completed the Vipers’ attack.
Netminder Graeme Gordon recorded 18 stops for the win, dropping his goals against average to 1.41.
“I’m definitely happy to get three out of three (wins). It was our goal and I think we stuck to our game-plan,” said Connor. “We had a tough start against Williams Lake (last Thursday). I think we went in there, and we thought it was going to be too easy.
“A lot of guys stepped up their play – Bryce Kakoske is really coming into his own at centre, so it’s been real good.
“Every northern team, they all work hard. We were lucky to get up a few against Quesnel real quick, and they kind of quit a little bit after that, but every team is going to come out and work hard and do their best.”
The 14-1 Vipers are ranked third in the CJHL national power rankings. They trail the No. 1 AJHL Spruce Grove Saints (14-0-0-1) and No. 2 OJHL Kingston Voyageurs (13-0).
Vernon is riding a seven-game win streak, and have won 24 of their last 25 games dating back to playoffs of last season. They host the 4-8-0-1 Merritt Centennials for Paint the Rink Pink night tonight at Wesbild Centre, and they will wear special jerseys that will be auctioned off to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Vipers’ captain Kevin Kraus, who had a goal and an assist on the road trip, says part of the challenge for a team on a roll is to not look past anybody.
“He (Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner) told us not to take them lightly and we just tried to keep our scoring touch on track.
“We’ve had three weekends in a row with three games but lately it seems like every shot we’re taking goes in so if we keep that up we’ll be OK.”
Spruce Kings’ head coach Ed Dempsey says it’s difficult to find a better benchmark than the Vipers in junior hockey.
“They just play a simple game like the great teams do. It’s always fun to play against teams like that because obviously they’re one of the top teams not only in this division and this league, but this country, and when you get to challenge yourself against those types of teams, you should really relish that.”
SNAKE BITES: Head coach Scott Robinson was fired by the Cowichan Valley Capitals, and replaced with former Vernon Laker d-man/enforcer Dale Purinton, who was suspended numerous times in every league he played in, including the NHL...Camrose, Alta., will host the 2011 RBC Cup. The Camrose Kodiaks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League will serve as the tournament’s host team for the 41st annual national Junior A championship. The 2010 RBC Cup will be held in Dauphin, Man., May 1-9.
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